Thank you for your interest in working for the Institute of Development Studies.

These guidance notes have been developed to help you create your application, as well as to provide practical information about completing the online application form.

Please do take time to read them through before completing your application.

Before applying

IDS expects all applicants to apply online where possible. However, if you do not have access to the internet or have other acess needs, please see below for how to request an alternative.

The online application process helps to ensure that all applicants provide information in the same format, enabling the selection panel to easily and consistently compare the applications that they receive.

You can only apply for one job at a time. You will need to complete and submit any partially completed application before starting an application for another role.

The following advice may help you complete your application successfully:

• Ensure you read the relevant job description and person specification before completing your application online.
• Have your own information to hand (e.g. employment history, qualifications and dates). This also applies to internal candidates.
• Applicants are shortlisted on the extent to which they meet the selection criteria on the job description and person specification. Therefore, do note that the most important section of your application is the section entitled ‘Supporting Statements’ where you need to demonstrate how your qualifications, experience and training meet the criteria of the post for which you are applying. Remember to include evidence and examples for each of the criteria and you may also include voluntary work, or skills gained outside of the work place.
• The system makes your application anonymous so that the panel members cannot see any of your personal details such as your name or address, and any equalities data such as your gender. This is to ensure that shortlisting is as fair as possible. 
• The application process can be completed in stages and you can login/logout at any time. The screens automatically save as you enter your information and it is simple to move backwards and forwards within the online process at any time prior to submission. Help is available at each stage to guide you through the process.
• Before final submission, you can preview your application and can choose to refine or submit the final application. Once submitted you will not be able to amend your application so please ensure you have checked it carefully before you submit it.

How to Apply

If you are interested in a post, click the Apply Online button within the job advert and you’ll be asked to register and set up an account on the site (Why do I have to register?) or log into the account you’ve already created. Be sure to provide an email address you use regularly, because that’s how we’ll keep in touch with you about your application.  

If you require any assistance please contact HR.  

All applications must be submitted online by Midnight UK time on the closing date.

Application Form

The online application form can be completed in stages and you can login/logout at any time. The form automatically saves as you enter your information and it is simple to move backwards and forwards within the form at any time prior to submission. Help is available at each stage to guide you through the form.

Before final submission, you can preview your application and can then choose to refine or submit the form.

References

All offers of appointment are issued on the basis of receiving and verifying references from previous and/or current employment. In your application, you will be able to confirm which of your referees can be approached.

Sensitive information

The Institute has an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy that reflects the requirements of the Equality Act. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

In order to monitor the effectiveness of our Equality and Diversity procedures, you are requested to complete the Equality of Opportunity section. This section will not be seen by the shortlisting panel. 

After Applying

Once you have submitted your application, you will see in the 'My Applications' area that the status of your application will be "submitted" and it will also show the date of submission.

The following day, you will receive an acknowledgment email.

After Closing Date

The selection panel will assess all applicants against the requirements of the job description and person specification and then notify HR of their decision.

HR will then contact the applicants as appropriate.